One of the stars of the hit television series The GC is coming to Whakatane to play some music.

DJ Tuini (real name Elyse Minhinnick) comes from Upper Hutt but has lived in Australia for most of her life.
Originally a strict R&B DJ, she has changed her style over the years to create an R&B/mashup club sound.

After growing up in a musical family, singing and playing instruments such as the violin, organ and guitar, DJ’ing came easily to her.

“I saw a friend playing and was mesmerised. I actually for the most part taught myself … practised on some really old equipment until I got it right.

“The guys who showed me how it all worked said ‘if you can get it right on terrible equipment, then you know you can play’.
“And that’s exactly what I did.”

Fast forward to now, and DJ Tuini is no stranger to the spotlight.

Well known on the Australian R&B circuit, she has played for after-parties and concerts with the likes of Chris Brown, Rihanna, Usher, Trey Songz, Eve, Fatman Scoop and many others.

In constant demand, she has played in clubs and at events all over Australia, as well as numerous appearances in countries such as Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands and three Indonesian tours to date.

Looking to expand her horizons, she recently starred in reality show The GC, which has gained a cult following in this country, as well as plenty of detractors who say it casts a bad impression of New Zealanders.

Tuini said while her appearances on the show had been great for raising her profile, she wanted to keep perspective.

“FYI haters,” she wrote in a recent Facebook post, “I was DJ’ing years before The GC came about, and it’s been if nothing else a blessing because of the platform it’s provided me for my career.

“In no way do I think I have ‘made it’, I am far from having ‘made it’, and I will continue to work hard towards my goals.
The GC was an amazing experience, but only one chapter in my life. Don’t get it twisted.”

Her main focus would continue to be the music.

“I love the performing – that feeling of working really hard to get a crowd exactly where you want them and creating that night they’ll never forget.

“I don’t like defining myself by a genre. Of course I will never forget my R&B roots, but as far as I’m concerned if it makes them dance, I’ll play it.”

DJ Tuini will play at The Commercial Hotel in Whakatane on Saturday, July 14. Presales cost $10 with door sales set at $15.